E15 000 FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEAM

MBABANE – The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs has rewarded the Special Olympics team with a sum of E15 000.

Minister Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga disclosed the good news yesterday at the ministry’s offices in Mbabane. Present during the press conference was the Swaziland National Sports and Recreation Council CEO, Darius Dlomo, President of Special Olympics Eswatini Louis Nxumalo, National Director Ntombi Nkambule and coach Mandla Nhlandze.

The athletes also made a stop at the conference. The athletes are gold medallist Fisokuhle Maseko, bronze medallist Lindokuhle Motsa and fifth-placed Lwandile Dlamini. Unfortunately, another bronze winner, Manqoba Magagula and delegation leader, Fanelo Nkonyane could not be part of the conference duo to reasons beyond their control. The games, which were held in Abu Dhahi in the United Arab Emirates last week, saw local athletes scooping three medals. Fisokuhle Maseko won the 100 metres while Linda Motsa took home a bronze medal. The latter was competing in the 50 metres. Mancoba Magagula came third in the other category of the 50 metres.

Maseko clocked an impressive 14:19 seconds in the 100 metres.Motsa finished the 50m in 9:49 seconds. Mancoba Magagula endured the 50 metres in 08:26 seconds.
Bulunga said they were proud of the athletes who hoisted the country’s flag in the Special Olympics games.

commendable

“This should be a norm to all local athletes to get podium finishes in international competitions. This is commendable and this is why we feel it fit to give them these incentives. We have been doing this for athletes who shine in international competitions and they are no exception.
“The gold medallist Fisokuhle Maseko will receive E10 000 with the bronze medalists getting E2 000 each. Lwandile Dlamini will also not be left behind as we believe she tried her best and finished within the top five. She will take home E1 000,” Bulunga said.

The minister also said he was hoping that they would do well in other international competitions of this magnitude.
Meanwhile, the coach, Mandla Hlandze, said they were happy to report that they had lived up to their promise.

greatest

“When we left for Dubai, the athletes promised to bring back medals home. It is my greatest pleasure to report officially that we have brought home three medals,” Nhlandze said. President of the Special Olympics Louis Nxumalo thanked Prince Bandzile, the Sports Ministry, SNSRC and parents for their support during these games.

Athlete Nonhlanhla Erikah Seyama was also rewarded for winning a gold medal during the African Championships last year in August where she excelled in High Jump. In November, the minister, through SNSRC, presented E15 000 to Sindi Maphalala and Cebsile Mthembu, who won trophies at the Karate World Cup in China.
The next Special Olympics games will be held in Berlin, Germany in 2023.

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